The episode of Champaran was considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle, for Independence because, for the first time, the farmers and peasants rose against the Britishers. The peasants were oppressed by their British landlords, but they lacked the courage to protest. Under the leadership of Gandhiji, they became aware of their rights. A small farmer, Rajkumar Shukla, from a small district, Champaran, helped to bring about a very prominent change. He championed the cause of Champaran movement. Likewise, many other peasants from the villages fought courageously and contributed in their own way to the movement. Their combined effort eventually helped them to win the battle of Champaran and to finally free themselves from 'Share Cropping' arrangement. The success also proved, for the first time, the effectiveness of Gandhiji's method of non-violence and non-cooperation. Gandhiji exulted over them and made the villagers feel self-dependant and undaunted.